FLOUT OF THE SKY BLUES; ROBINHO FLOUT OF SKY BLUES.

Byline: OLIVER HOLT

ROBINHO has risked a row with Manchester City by staying with Brazil instead of rejoining his club teammates.

His troubled relationship with City boss Mark Hughes was placed under more strain after he was allowed to make the 40-minute flight from their training base in Abu Dhabi to have his injured ankle assessed by Brazil's doctor.

The club was adamant their pounds 32.5million forward would return yesterday in time to attend last night's match between City and the United Arab Emirates.

Instead, Robinho not only trained with Brazil at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club ground here but officials suggested he might yet play a part either in tomorrow's friendly against England or in Brazil's match against Oman on Wednesday.

"Robinho will train today doing the same exercises as the other players but on the sideline," said Brazil team spokesman Rodrigo Paiva.

"Whether he'll play is something we are taking day by day.

"We know City want him with them but the situation for us is we have only three games before the World Cup so we need Robinho.

"This is a chance for the coach to talk to the players, to create the ambience, to discuss preparations for next summer. We don't need permission from City to play him but we will keep talking to them."

The prospect of Robinho playing for Brazil in the next few days is sure to fill City with horror. He has been injured since September and reports he is courting a move to Barcelona have created tension in the camp.

City had been hoping Robinho would fly back to Manchester with them today and have an outside chance of playing a part in next weekend's crunch clash at Liverpool but those hopes have been dashed.

CAPTION(S):

TROUBLED City boss Hughes will not be happy